Peripheral devices include input devices (keyboards, mice, joystick, etc.), output devices (monitor screens, printers, etc.), and input/output devices that perform both functions (e.g., the 2000s-era touchscreen). The processing element carries out arithmetic and logical operations, and a sequencing and control unit can change the order of operations in response to stored information. The speed, power and versatility of computers have been increasing dramatically ever since then, with transistor counts increasing at a rapid pace (as predicted by Moore's law), leading to the Digital Revolution during the late 20th to early 21st centuries.Ĭonventionally, a modern computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU) in the form of a microprocessor, along with some type of computer memory, typically semiconductor memory chips. The first semiconductor transistors in the late 1940s were followed by the silicon-based MOSFET (MOS transistor) and monolithic integrated circuit chip technologies in the late 1950s, leading to the microprocessor and the microcomputer revolution in the 1970s. The first digital electronic calculating machines were developed during World War II. More sophisticated electrical machines did specialized analog calculations in the early 20th century. Early in the Industrial Revolution, some mechanical devices were built to automate long, tedious tasks, such as guiding patterns for looms.

Simple manual instruments like the abacus have aided people in doing calculations since ancient times. Computers power the Internet, which links billions of other computers and users.Įarly computers were meant to be used only for calculations. Simple special-purpose devices like microwave ovens and remote controls are included, as are factory devices like industrial robots and computer-aided design, as well as general-purpose devices like personal computers and mobile devices like smartphones. This term may also refer to a group of computers that are linked and function together, such as a computer network or computer cluster.Ī broad range of industrial and consumer products use computers as control systems. A computer system is a nominally complete computer that includes the hardware, operating system (main software), and peripheral equipment needed and used for full operation. These programs enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks.

Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. Computers and computing devices from different eras – clockwise from top left:ĭesktop computer (IBM ThinkCentre S50 with monitor)Ī computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations ( computation) automatically.

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